Well, it is officially autumn – it almost seemed like summer wasn’t going to happen, but August was splendid in Westport. The 3rd Annual MUSICwestport went off like clockwork under glorious sunshine. We had the acoustic stage on our front lawn once again and enjoyed the down home sounds of StringTease, Oliver Killiam’s song stylings, and the sweet harps of Acacia Lyra. The two other stages were abuzz with activity as well; we all owe a big thanks to the business folks of Westport who paid to make this free event happen. We are looking forward to next year’s event – it just keeps getting bigger.

Fall brings new excitement as we shift gears into yet another series of events. Our local artists’ studios will open their doors once again for the ever popular Fall Colours Studio Tour on the October long weekend. (October 10-12). Check their web site for more information at www.artatwork.ca/westport_studiotours.

Later in October the Westport Arts Council will be hosting another Writer’s Reading featuring renowned mystery writer Giles Blunt and three other Ontario authors for a Sunday afternoon event. It is on October 25, and will be held in the centre of the village this year, at the United Church. Check out the line-up at the Arts Council’s web site www.westportartscouncil.ca. And if you book a room at our B&B for the event, we will be pleased to offer you complementary wine and cheese in the evening. Writers Reading is an Arts Council fundraising event for next year’s MUSICwestport.

To complete the weekend, the Cove Inn will be featuring a new jazz quintet out of New York City on the Saturday night, October 24. They are called The Story, and you can read about them at www.thestorymusic.com. The music is from 8-11PM and there is a $5 cover charge.

Finally, it wouldn’t be autumn without the Blues fundraiser series featuring some of Canada’s best blues artists. Shows are held on the 3rd Friday of each month from October through June at the Cove Inn, starting with the Mike Goudreau Band on October 16. Some groups perform the Saturday as well. You can see the full lineup and details at at
www.choosetheblues.ca.

Next up, little goblins, Santa, ice fishing, stay tuned …

Summer is here, and if the weather seems to be the topic of preference, our Westport season is off to a fine start. Rain or shine, there is fishing, hiking, boating (you can even rent a houseboat and cruise the Rideau Canal) and fly-in events at the Westport Airstrip. Summer fairs are underway in the surrounding towns and Westport now boasts a new Saturday morning farmer’s market.

The Dandelion Studio Tour in May, the Antique Show in June, and the Westport Heritage Festival in July were all fun-filled and well-attended events. Our Bed and Breakfast was selected to be part of the Heritage House Tour benefiting the Rideau Museum last week, and we were please to see hundreds of visitors pass through our home in support of this Westport institution.

The next big event is the August 15 music festival, and everyone has been chipping in to make this the biggest and best yet. (Visit www.westportartscouncil.ca for the festival lineup and schedule.) This free event is made possible by generous donations of the Westport business community and through fund-raising events such as last March’s Kitchen Party (Ceilidh) which drew musicians and dancers from many corners of the region for a celebration of traditional music and Irish stew. We have other exciting events coming up – music, writers reading – as we gear up for next year’s program. It is never too early to start. Announcements will be made on the B&B blog and on the Westport Arts Council web site as details become available.

Also this month is the Rideau Valley Art Show & Sale (August 21, 22, and 23) at the Westport Community Centre. Over 60 of the countries finest artists and artisans attend this prestigious festival. Funds raised from this event go to support other community associations.

Stay tuned for information of upcoming events –Writers Reading (September), Fall Colours Studio Tour (October 10-12) .

The daylight hours are getting longer, spring is just around the corner and it is time to get out and around again. We are pleased to report that culture is alive and well in Westport. The Blues on the Rideau music series entertained us all winter, and these musical events featuring Juno-award winning blues artists are continuing monthly through June (http://www.choosetheblues.ca/).

Here are some of the events lined up for the coming months. We will update our blog page with details as they become available. Be sure to check back regularly for news on Westport musical and arts events. (www.avictorianreflection.com/blog).

March

Kitchen Party / Ceilidh (March 14th): A Kitchen Party is an informal gathering of music and dance and In case you do not speak Newfoundlander, the Gaelic word for Kitchen Party is “Ceilidh”. We will have non-stop lively music and dancing, from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Cash bar, dinner available. At the Westport Legion Hall. This event is sponsored by the Westport Arts Council in support of the MUSICWestport event to be held in August.

April

Poetry Along the Rideau (April 3 th -5 th): Join us for a weekend of poetry readings featuring Elizabeth Glenny (St. Catherines), Terje Thorsen (Norway), Carol Little (PEI), and Audrey Ogilvie (Westport). Anders Carson (Portland) will perform along with music in between.

Choose your venue and your experience. The venues are

• April 3rd 8:00 pm at The Cove Inn, Westport. No fee for the poetry. Have dinner at the Cove beforehand.
• April 4th Afternoon at North Crosby Hall with same poets along with child contestant winners from local schools. $5 fee money goes to North Crosby Hall
• April 4th 6:00 pm at Newboro Hall in Newboro. $20 includes meal. Same poets with a Cabaret atmosphere.
• April 5th 7:00pm at the Smiths Falls Railway Museum. Same poets. Pass the hat with money going towards the Railway Museum.

May

Dandelion Gardens Studio Tour (May 16-18): The Westport Area Dandelion Gardens Studio Tour is being held at various studios in Westport and Rideau Lakes.

50s and 60s Party (May 23rd) featuring Eddy and the Stingrays, Canada’s #1 Rock and Roll Show and Dance Band. At the Cove Inn, Westport. (http://www.eddyandthestingrays.com/)

June
Westport Antique Show & Sale (June 6 and 7): The ever-popular show returns to the Westport Arena.

Westport Heritage Festival and Farmer’s Market (June 20): Come to Bedford Street in Westport for our 3rd Heritage Festival. Locally produced crafts, food, and fun for the whole family.

Rideau Lakes Studio & Garden Tour (June 28-29): Saturday - Sunday 10am - 5pm. Spend a day in beautiful Rideau Lakes Township exploring the country roads as you visit the many talented Artists and Artisans of the Rideau Lakes Studio and Garden Tour. A free brochure will guide you through the tour and is available at most area stores, restaurants and welcome centres.

August

Third Annual MUSICestport (August 15th). A day of free music at three outdoor venues in Westport, including our front lawn. Bring a lawn chair.

Rideau Valley Art Show & Sale (August 21, 22, and 23): This exhibition and sale takes place at the Westport Community Centre on August 21, 22, 23. Over 60 of the countries finest artists and artisans attend this prestigious festival. Funds raised from this event go to support other community associations

And stay tuned for …

Country fairs (July and August)
Writers Reading (September)
Fall Colours Studio Tour October 10-12
Pumpkin Festival - October 24